SAWYER SWEETEN: The Everybody Loves Raymond star is believed to have shot himself [Getty Images]

His older sister Madylin, who also acted in the show, released a statement, saying:

"This morning a terrible family tragedy has occurred. We are devastated to report that our beloved brother, son, and friend, Sawyer Sweeten, took his own life. He was weeks away from his 20th birthday.

"At this sensitive time, our family requests privacy and we beg of you to reach out to the ones you love."

SAWYER:(right) with twin brother Sullivan [Getty Images]

It's believed that Sawyer shot himself in the porch of his family home in Texas.

Sawyer began playing Geoffrey Barone in Everybody Loves Raymond in 1996 when we was 16-months-old, alongside his twin brother Sullivan.

He continued in the show until it wrapped in 2005, and did not act again.

On Thursday afternoon, Madilyn, who played Geoffrey's older sister, Ally, on the show, wrote on Facebook:

"At this time I would like to encourage everyone to reach out to the ones you love. Let them have no doubt of what they mean to you."

Ray Romano,who played Raymond on the show, said in a statement to E! News: "I'm shocked, and terribly saddened, by the news about Sawyer. He was a wonderful and sweet kid to be around. Just a great energy whenever he was there.

"My heart breaks for him, his family, and his friends during this very difficult time."

For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90 or visit a local Samaritans branch.